Staying healthy in floods

By  Mark DaCosta- The May -June rainy season is at its height, and flooding across Guyana is common. As residents of Georgetown know, the capital city usually floods after only a few hours of moderately heavy rainfall. And floodwaters take many hours – if not days – to abate.

Generally, Guyanese know that flood water can cause disease, however, owing to the demands and rigours of surviving in a badly managed country, many people neglect to take adequate precautions against flood related illnesses. Citizens should bear in mind, though, what happened in 2005.

From January 25 to March 3, 2005, 236 patients were admitted to Guyana Public Hospital Corporation with leptospirosis; 34 people died.

The World Health Organization states that, “Water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and leptospirosis are brought by water contamination, the major risk factor associated with flooding. The incidents of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, on the other hand, increases due to standing water that serves as breeding sites for mosquitoes.”

With regard to staying generally healthy during floods, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues the following advisory:

[Floodwater is a] source of contamination. The best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the water.

If you come in contact with floodwater:

Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.

Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary.

Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent before reusing them.

If you must enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles.

Prevent injuries.

Floodwater may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection.

If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a health care professional determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.

Guyanese should be extremely cautious during the month of June 2023. International meteorology services predict that Georgetown is likely to experience 15 to 22 days of heavy rainfall during the month, with relatively hot temperatures of 23 to 31 degrees Celsius, and high humidity. As such, children may be tempted to cool down in flood waters. This publication advises Guyanese, particularly parents and other guardians of young children to be vigilant during this period.